After having co-founded the British pop movement of the 1990s with his band Suede, singer Brett Anderson embarked on a solo career. In this he moves into ever quieter waters. In the cover photo of his second album Wilderness, he is depicted in profile under a rainy sky, with his back to the camera. It should be clear, this is a dark and personal record. While his nameless solo debut contained a few
… more rockers, on the successor it is purely piano and moody strings. Anderson's characteristic tears have virtually disappeared, and the despair of yesteryear has been replaced by reflection and resignation. A bit more variety in the arrangements would have been welcome, and some well-placed uptempo pieces could have given the album the necessary dynamics. Listening everything in sequence requires some stamina; it is advisable to consume these supported ballads in manageable proportions. (MS)more
